In order to reveal to you the cold beauty of Rila’s most renowned regions, we introduce you to this 3-day snowshoeing itinerary designed to show you the mountain’s highlights - the highest peak Musala, the iconic Maliovitsa Valley (often defined as the “cradle of Bulgarian alpinism”) and the Rila Lakes district. The route does not require specific mountaineering techniques but being in good shape and having a previous trekking experience is highly recommended in order to enjoy the mountain to the maximum. As the weather conditions during the winter are changing fast and are hard to predict much in advance, have in mind that the itinerary is subject to changes depending on the weather, the snow conditions and the capability of the group participants.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Sofia - Borovets - Govedartsi
Today we climb the highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). Short transfer brings us to Borovets ski resort, where we take the lift to Yastrebets Peak (2369 m a.s.l.). The view from the top is truly breath-taking – you can make out the remaining peaks of Rila Mountains; the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains; Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains; the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains; and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range. -/-/D
Walking time: 6 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 750m
Day 2. Govedartsi - Maliovitsa mountain resort
A day dedicated to snowshoeing in the region of Maliovitsa Valley. Passing by Maliovitsa hut (1950m), we continue further on to Maliovitsa Peak (2729m). Then we descend back to Maliovitsa Mountain Base and transfer back to the hotel. (*Reaching the top is only possible in good weather and stable snow. Otherwise we will stick to the lower parts of the mountain). B/-/D
Walking time: 7 hrs, uphill/downhill: 1000m
Day 3. Govedartsi village - Skakavitsa Waterfall - Rila Lakes hut - Pionerska hut
We start walking from Pionerska hut towards Skakavitsa waterfall, exploring on our way Skakavitsa nature reserve. After enjoying the frozen waters of the highest waterfall of the mountain, we continue in the direction of the renowned Seven Rila Lakes – probably the most famous area in the Rila Mountains. Once reaching the 5th lake (The Kidney), we start descending heading towards the Rila Lakes hut (2150m) where we can stop for a tea break and continue finishing our loop route at Pionerska Hut where a transfer brings us back to Sofia. B/-/D
Walking time: 5.30hrs; uphill walk: 800m / downhill walk: 200m)
Good to know: ►walking with snowshoes is rather adventurous and although not technically difficult it could be a bit strenuous over mountain slopes. Reasonable physical condition is required
We recommend trip in the period: January - March
Necessary equipment: daypack (20-40 l); winter walking waterproof boots (hard-soled); gloves/mittens; sunscreen lotion; sunglasses with UV protection
Price Includes:
Accommodation at a local guesthouse with breakfast and dinner included
luggage transportation
English-speaking guide
private transfers throughout the tour
cabin lift (cable car) tickets
VAT and all local taxes
snowshoes and ski poles
Not Included:
Flight tickets
map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour)
tips
drinks and meals not mentioned
personal expenses
insurance
accommodation and transport before/after the tour
Additional Services:
Supplement at 2-3 persons: 70 EUR pp
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